Why S-Court sacked Lyon, deputy; We‘ll obey court order when we get it – INEC
…It’s a procured judgement, says Lyon
…Diri’s meeting of 25% spread raises anxiety; meets requirement in 5, needs 5.32 to win
…It’s victory for democracy, we won’t abandon Imo – PDP
…PDP candidate can’t be sworn-in, says Oshiomhole; Wike to FG: Call Oshiomhole to order

Barely 24 hours to inauguration, the Supreme Court, yesterday, sacked the Governor-elect of Bayelsa State, David Lyon, and his Deputy, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremieoyo.

The apex court, in a unanimous decision by a five-man panel of justices led by Justice Mary Odili, nullified their election on the ground that Degi-Eremienyo presented false information to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in aid of his qualification for the Bayelsa governorship poll held on November 16, 2019.

Following the ruling, confusion, yesterday, enveloped Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, though PDP faithful embarked on wild celebration.

David Lyon had in the early hours of the day conducted a rehearsal for today’s swearing in ceremony at the remodelled Samson Siasia Sports complex.

Confusion in Bayelsa as S-Court sacks gov-elect, Lyon

APC’s flags and other insignia were hoisted at strategic places in town with that of PDP pulled down.

However, the mood of the capital city was altered shortly after noon when news of the sacking of the APC governor-elect filtered into town.

A long convoy of heavily armed soldiers backed by armoured personnel carriers were sighted yesterday at about 1pm along the Mbiama Yenagoa road heading towards the heart of the state capital, ostensibly in a show of force.

Though the reasons for the large security presence could not be immediately ascertained, informed sources nonetheless told Vanguard that it might be in connection with the anticipated visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the state tomorrow (Friday) for the inauguration of the APC governor-elect and the unveiling of the newly-completed ultra modern complex of the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB.

It was also learned that the valedictory meeting of the state executive council, led by outgoing Governor Seriake Dickson, was in session when the news of the twist of event filtered in, causing wild jubilation.

The Creek Haven, Bayelsa Government House gate, was flung open as PDP supporters thronged the sprawling complex in wild celebration.

Dashed hopes for APC supporters

APC flags which in the early hours of the day were hoisted at the roundabout leading to the state seat of power were hurriedly removed........

We ‘ll obey court order when we get it – INEC

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has declared its readiness to act on the Supreme Court judgement but cannot do so now......


Of the the eight local councils of Bayelsa, the PDP candidate won two – Kolokuma/Opokuma, and Sagbama and got more than 25 per cent of the votes cast in Ekeremor, Yenagoa and Brass. It did not fare well in Nembe (about 19 per cent), Ogbia and Southern Ijaw where it got less than 10 per cent of the votes cast.

According to the apex court ruling, Diri, who came second in the election must have 25 per cent of the votes cast in more than five of the eight local councils. Two thirds of eight is 5.32 while Diri secured 25 per cent in five states.

It is to be seen how the INEC would resolve the issue, which is akin to the 12 two-thirds controversy that hallmarked the 1983 presidential election between late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and former President Shehu Shagari, also deceased. Then, there were 19 states. Shagari had simple majority and 25 per cent in 12 states instead of approximately 13. But the apex court handed him victory based on 12 two-thirds of 25 per cent spread.

Speaking on the issue, yesterday, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, chief press secretary to the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, said: “We just heard the ruling on the radio. There is no official communication. We will act on the order when we get it.......


Only APC met requirement – Oshiomhole

Reacting to the ruling, National Chairman of the ruling APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, said no candidate can be sworn-in today because none of the other candidates, apart from Lyon, met the requirement.

Noting that the Supreme Court ordered that the second candidate with the highest votes and 25 per cent spread across two-thirds of the local government areas be sworn in, Oshiomhole at a press briefing, yesterday declared: “Nobody will be sworn in on Friday (today) as the new governor in Bayelsa State.”

Read further:https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/02/confusion-in-bayelsa-as-s-court-sacks-gov-elect-lyon/

There is no confusion in Bayelsa State.

There's no confusion in bayelsa state. People are celebrating the victory.